Colorado
It's hard to beat what the Rockies have to offer. A plethora of world-class skiing in the winter, and all the hiking, backpacking, camping, mountain biking, and rafting you could hope for in the summer. Looking for a challenge?Maybe try your hand at one of Colorado's 14,000 ft peaks (there's somewhere between 53 and 58, depending who you ask).
Top Spots in and near Colorado
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Dillon, Colorado
Grays Peak via the South Ridge
9.9 mi / 3970 ft gainGrays is easily one of the most popular 14ers in Colorado due to its moderate difficulty and proximity to Denver. Grays Peak is an awesome 14er but the crowds take away from the hike. And while the views on top of Grays are amazing, the barren landscape of the hike to get there isn't the most ama...Read more -
Silverton, Colorado
Explore Hurricane Pass and Lake Como
Spending much of the trek above tree line, Hurricane Pass is situated at 12,730 feet above sea level and offers up views of Poughkeepsie Gulch (a more extreme off-road trail) and sapphire blue mountain lakes, such as Lake Como. One of the most beautiful roads in the lower 48 states, Hurricane Pas...Read more -
Nederland, Colorado
Climb the Avalon Crag in Boulder Canyon
From Boulder, the pullout that is best to park at for the Avalon crag is 8.4 miles up the canyon. You will walk down the side of the road past the talus field, where if the river is too high to wade you can use the tyrolean traverse. Otherwise, you can wade or hop across rocks according to the da...Read more -
Aspen, Colorado
Backpack to Snowmass Creek in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness
13 miFor beginner backpackers or just those who can't take off 3-4 days to do the Four Pass Loop, there's still options near the iconic Maroon Bells. If you are planning to do an overnight at the Bells, you need to get there early or late - before 7:30 am or after 5 pm. The overnight lot fills quickl...Read more -
Crested Butte, Colorado
Backcountry Ski at Snodgrass Mountain
Settled in the heart of the Colorado Rockies, Crested Butte is a mecca for winter sports. Crested Butte Mountain Resort is a local favorite for downhill skiing, but if lift lines (or lifts in general) aren't really your thing, head to Snodgrass Mountain for miles of untouched snow.Snodgrass lies ...Read more -
Lake Como Trailhead, Colorado
Summit Blanca and Ellingwood Peaks
7 mi / 6800 ft gainBlanca Peak is nestled at the heart (and the top) of a four peak ceiling located at the southern-most tip of Colorado's intimidating Sangre de Christo range. The peak is known for its impeccable 360 degree views, as you can see well over 100 miles in every direction thanks to Colorado's clean, c...Read more -
4402 Garden Park Road, Colorado
Mountain Bike at Oil Well Flats
13 mi / 1200 ft gainThe Basics: Picture this: Winter on Colorado's Front Range. It snowed yesterday. You're stir crazy because today it's 60 degrees and sunny outside, but the trails are a muddy mess! Cue Oil Well Flats. Located just an hour outside of Colorado Springs, this trail network rarely sees precipitation, ...Read more -
Palmer Lake, Colorado
Palmer Lake Reservoir Trail
4.11 mi / 656 ft gainThis hike starts with a steep uphill, and if that doesn't take your breath away, the views of the lakes definitely will. After the uphill slog, you'll immediately reach the lower reservoir. On still mornings, it offers perfect reflections of its surroundings. The trail continues along its northe...Read more -
Lakewood, Colorado
Radio Tower Overlook via Hayden Trailhead
2.83 mi / 653 ft gainI loved this trail when I lived in Lakewood. It has a decent elevation gain, close to the city, spectacular views, and you can pretty much hike it year round unless you just had a winter snow storm (though you could just hike in snow boots!). Take the John O Hayden Trail from the Utah Parking l...Read more -
Boulder, Colorado
Mountain Bike the Betasso Preserve
4.03.3 mi / 564 ft gainThe Betasso Preserve features two loop trails that are accessible to both hikers and mountain bikers. Drive up (west) Boulder Canyon about 15 minutes outside of Boulder and turn right (north) on Sugarloaf Dr. After another 5 or so minutes you'll see a sign on the right-hand (northeast) side of...Read more -
Del Norte, Colorado
Mountain Bike at Penitente Canyon
8 mi / 900 ft gainThe Area: The maze of large round boulders in Penitente Canyon was once a refuge for a radical Christian sect. Now it is home to some radical mountain biking trails! Think Moab features, Fruita flow, and no crowds. Read below to find out the best trails to ride in this area, and combine riding wi...Read more -
Durango, Colorado
Hike the First Fork/Red Creek Loop
9.8 mi / 2195 ft gainLeaving from Durango, head north on Florida Road/CR 240. From the intersection with County Road 250 (the last stoplight), drive about 8 miles until you reach Colvig Summer Camp. Turn northwest here. The road will soon narrow and turn to dirt - continue straight. 1 mile further, there will be a la...Read more -
Pueblo, Colorado
Mountain Bike Lake Pueblo State Park
5.013 mi / 350 ft gainThe Basics: Pueblo Reservoir is one of the largest bodies of water on the Front Range, which isn't saying much, but in my opinion this is the best recreation area around Pueblo! Thanks to Southern Colorado Trail Builders, there are dozens of miles of well-maintained trails throughout 3 main arms ...Read more -
Idaho Springs, Colorado
Snowshoe Jim Creek Trail
5 mi / 965 ft gainStarting at 9,220 feet of elevation, this 5 mile out-and-back snowshoe begins its 965 foot elevation gain meandering through a quiet forest. The trail will take you through the woods for a few miles, and you can turn around whenever you like. If you're up for a challenge and have a lot of time, y...Read more -
Ouray, Colorado
Lower Cascade Falls
4.00.5 miLocated within the picturesque town of Ouray, Colorado, Cascade Falls is what most city parks strive to be. This park and amazing waterfall are located on the edge of town along the longer 5+ mile Perimeter Trail and provides a place for picnics, relaxing, and further days hikes through connector...Read more -
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Paddle Rampart Reservoir
Rampart Reservoir is located off of Rampart Range Road and is boat accessible from Spring until Fall. It has a boat ramp for motorized as well as human powered boats. There are vault toilets nearby. It is a nice place to spend the day paddling at close to 9,000 ft elevation. Just be prepared for ...Read more
